A few days ago, I and several other ILC members joined to honor each other and the respected sponsors, benefactors of the WCCUSD Board, chaperones, and especially the parents for supporting their kids. For the first time in my life, I was extremely happy to be a part of such a great program that unites all these different students from all over the district to pursue a common goal of education. We all have to be thankful to Don Gosney, Charles Ramsey, Madeline Kronenberg, and all the benefactors who continue to devote their time to making the lives of students like myself gain an opportunity to take part in learning and gain much needed confidence in a world full of intimidation. I can see in all those different faces a bright future ahead of them and the drive to not only excel in their own but also help others just as the benefactors have.
In the future of the ILC, it is an achievement to expand a program from 6 to 29 students in a matter of few years, and it would certainly yield both expected and unexpected results all for the better. With the continuation of expanding, the ILC will continue to generate such responsible, intelligent students such as past alumni like Yohanna Pepa and Cristina Pelayo. Hopefully when this year's class returns, we will not only impact the ILC with outstanding achievements at respective colleges but also our district.
There will certainly be a big step for the WCCUSD with a powerful army of ILC students returning with both the confidence, knowledge, and the capacity to lead other students to stand up and strive to achieve. I am delighted to know so many good people in our community and see us work together in the ILC.
In the weeks to come, I and other ILC members will continue to take steps in the path to success.
Thanks for the insightful comments. I agree that expanding this program and sustaining this program has been a challenge, but one that has been rewarding. Andrew, you have an opportunity to thrive in this program. I can see that you are buying in and sensing that now is your chance to do some "big things". I want you to do some great things with yourself and grow from this experience.
ReplyDeleteMany of the people in our district fail to see the big picture and fail to recognize that the world is a big place and that it would be wise to step outside this community and learn about the world. Too often people want to view the world by travel rather than by taking four years away from their family.
Family is critical to success, but one's ability to gain independance is a greater barometer in dealing with future success. Rememeber at the end of the day you will have to stand on your own two feet. I know that you can and I hope that you will grab this opportunity. Now is your moment.
The other night you saw people you walk through the campus hallways with and you heard them tell stories about how they came to attend an Ivy League School. Yes, just last year Cristina and Yohanna were standing in your place, look at last year's ILC group photo shoot from the school board, and had no idea that they would eventually end up at Penn and Yale. So, be open and try to model their behavior. They are great role models. Take the time to pick their brains and to find out what made them decide to take the step to actually leave home.
Yes, the ILC is a life changing experience. I hope that it is for you.
Take care.
Charles T. Ramsey, Esq.
School Board Member
West Contra Costa
Unified School District